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Topic: Very unscientific poll re: Crystal Mountain (Read 7744 times)
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Kyle Miller
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Lets not forget about the slide that happened saturday early in the afternoon on Crystal Mtn Blvd
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112224
On that note I would like to thank James Taylor for doing a kick ass job moving the snow around in the lots and the Avi debris
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« Last Edit: 02/11/08, 08:01 PM by Kyle Miller »
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Ditch the splitboard, bring skis and some guns then we'll invite you!
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oftpiste
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Posts: 800
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I could tell it wasn't too bad for Crystal's business though.....
Indeed, nice to know we can get there. On the other hand it was, shall we say, a zoo? Big time.
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BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
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cascaderider
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I would ski at the place that got more snow on a pow day.
I really think that skiers there should get off the "better than you" attitude towards snowboarders. Or at least limit it towards posers.
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snoqpass
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2. Ski patrol's mission should be to open the entire mountain, all the time. (Kudos today, but frequently we have to stand in line as bleary-eyed patrollers stagger out of bed at 9:30 am with cups of coffee to start "work"). Patrol typically seems more interested in keeping areas closed unnecessarily and policing them, rather than just opening the mountain. (This aspect does seem to have improved this season). Remove all of the arbitrary and unnecessary ropes and closure signs littering the mountain. Use signs urging caution instead of roping off whole sections (the new signs under Chair 6 are a welcome improvement). Check out a well-run mountain like Alta UT, where terrain closures are infrequent, credible, well publicized and of short duration, despite much greater avalanche hazard. Mid-week skiers should expect the same commitment in these areas as the weekend crowd. This has not been the case in the past. Personally I would accept a lower level of effort Mon-Thurs for say a $35 ticket.
I would guess it is the patrol's mission to open the mtn on time every day. Looking back on the amount of snow that fell in the last two weeks I would think they were up to their asses in work just to stay ahead. At 9:30 in the morning they probably already have more than 4-5 hours of work done while you stand around worrying about them having a cup of coffee.
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AndyMartin
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Posts: 107
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Well Valentine's day was very nice at Crystal (see Larry Trotter's report). No complaints at all!
I am encoraged that patrol does seem to be doing a great job of opening terrain this season. I'm convinced that there is a disconnect between management and patrol at times, with the former keeping terrain closed for reasons that have nothing to do with snow safety. In fact I had this very conversation with a pro patroller at the top of chair 6 a couple of weeks back. South Back was closed and the patroller agreed that snow safety was not the issue.
Anyway, I think that this discussion has been valuable, and I hope Crystal is sincere in responding to the comments. It certainly is a great mountain in good conditions and we are fortunate to have it.
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Splitboard Graham
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yes, i would go to ski hypo. i've had bad experiences with ski patrol (being told one thing, then almost getting in trouble for it), and so have my comrades. on one occasion i recieved a refund/exchange ticket, and they did not when we carried out the same procedures. management ignored them while i immediately received a refund ticket. the whole vibe of the resort makes me want to vomit sometimes. i much prefer baker, white pass, alpental (not the summit), and stevens (which is getting worse). all the patrol i've met in the bc are cool. crystal is the wimpiest resort i've ever been to in regards to closing lifts, and sometimes i'll go somewhere else because it's so unreliable. i skiied at white pass earlier this month and they only closed the lift when winds reached 100 mph at the summit. crystal is also the WORST when it comes to leashes for snowboards. what a crock of death nuggs. crystal is like an addiction: you hate to love it, and you don't want to support the pusher-man, but it gets you the highest...
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natefred
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Posts: 63
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Now class, you've got to answer the question to get any credit at all. Remember, no hijacking the topic.
"Good grief!" said Charlie Brown. "Can anyone stay on topic?" "Get off the soapbox. and answer the question!"
Yes, please answer the question so I can ski at the resort with the fewest know-it-alls and whiners.
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Olywa
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I have a ton of love for Crystals terrain and employees, having been one myself but I do have a few gripes....
Terrain opening and closures. Why would the marketing director chose to keep Northback closed to the public and let a large lineup at the gate grow while patrol allows a few select skiers pass to take photos? Why would Crystal keep Southback closed for days, again waiting for pro skiers to take photos only to have them not come at all? If patrol needs more staff to ensure that they are able to open all terrain at a reasonable time why are they constantly understaffed? If chair six can't run if the wind is blowing stronger than 20mph why don't they fix the problem? It did occur last year.
And yes the snow phone, marketing has the patrol evaluation by 5 am and generally knows if the upper mtn will be open, but chooses when and if to update. For those of us without internet the snow phone is a great resource when it is reported accurately, ie 24-48 hr snow totals. The other Boyne stuff is not my concern, I could care less about amenities etc I just want to ski the best terrain. So if the Hypo resort had enough Patrol to open terrain and Chairs that could spin with the wind blowing I would be there.
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phrihealer
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Posts: 7
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I'll have to say that I've been skiing at "hypo" ever since I got out of the ski industry after working 2 seasons for John Kircher and Boyne's management at Crystal. I do feel strongly that Boyne does an outstanding job of creating the best environment in the USA for all levels of snowsports enthusiasts. John and his finely selected management team work diligently to maintain a profitable business for the long term goal of providing a better experience for us; I think Boyne has proven that to all snowsports customers, if we were paying attention. As a back-country enthusiast I am grateful for the terrain access from Crystal. To answer the question directly, "hypo" is a lot less expensive and I became burned out on the "souless" "corporate ego vibe" that I disliked about Crystal and Ski areas in general. 1 vote for hypo!!
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skilates rules!
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oftpiste
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Posts: 800
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I'll have to say that I've been skiing at "hypo" ever since I got out of the ski industry after working 2 seasons for John Kircher and Boyne's management at Crystal. I do feel strongly that Boyne does an outstanding job of creating the best environment in the USA for all levels of snowsports enthusiasts. John and his finely selected management team work diligently to maintain a profitable business for the long term goal of providing a better experience for us; I think Boyne has proven that to all snowsports customers, if we were paying attention. As a back-country enthusiast I am grateful for the terrain access from Crystal. To answer the question directly, "hypo" is a lot less expensive and I became burned out on the "souless" "corporate ego vibe" that I disliked about Crystal and Ski areas in general. 1 vote for hypo!!
I'm confused.
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BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
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phrihealer
5Member
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Posts: 7
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fair enough.
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skilates rules!
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cjm720
5Member
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Posts: 65
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I ride a lot of resorts...whistler, baker, stevens, hood, crystal and have had a pass at Snoqualmie for years. Crystal doesn't bug me that much...like life, there are some a-holes and self-righteous out there but they're not going to spoil my turns. Wait a second, last week I had to chase some skiier down because he purposely sprayed me with his skiis, but that wasn't management. Well, to answer your question - probably not.
This may have been brought up on this thread, so I apologize if it's old. But what do you all make of Boyne closing Crystal so early? I"ve heard various reasons from there are too many summer projects to it has to do with their management of Snoqualmie. I wonder if they're maximizing profits by pushing skiiers to snoqaulmie...as in there's a bonus of some sort. Anyhow, Stevens is closed and they're definitely not trying to help either out. I can digress on this all day, but curious what others think.
Have fun out there this weekend! I hope I never wake from this amazing winter dream!!!!
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Larry_Trotter
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...... Purposely sprayed you with his skis? Do you mean he buzzed you? Some skis naturally throw up snow. Usually the skier doesn't see it behind him. If a skier "purposly" buzzed you then what is the other side of the story?
My friends don't like skiing behind me sometimes... the twin tips throw it up.
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cjm720
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Hey L_Trotter,
He definitely sprayed me and it sure seemd like it was on purpose. He looked back and didn't offer any signs of apologies, whether that's a buzz or a spray I'm not sure, but it was very disrespectful. Kind of like, oh it's only a snowboarder no big deal. No other side to the story - I had just merged to a trail and was waiting for a friend (not waiting under a knoll or in the middle).
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Larry_Trotter
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Well... I have certainly seen rude skiers and boarders. So, I know they are out there. I have been buzzed by super-boarders setting land speed records.... pretty annoying. But, it's pretty rare.
Here's an idea... we could have a special demolition derby event... kind of like the Ben Hur chariot races.... What is a little blood on the snow?
I think other ski areas have more of a turf problem.. Crystal isn't bad at all.
But ... just like boarders have blind side and sit down problems, twin tip spray can be an annoyance. As a skier, I don't see it behind me and really do forget that I am throwing stuff up.
Better to suck it up and play nice as possible and try to be safe.
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skierguitarist
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WOW--when I worked at Crystal early '80 we were on the chair pouring down rain etc. in the dark up to mt. top ...punch bombs, do our routes and have all the bamboo set back up by 8am to 8:30am...period. Sounds like the corporate deal "not open things to save my money" has infected Crystal as well as Mt. Bachelor. Breath of wind ...can't open unless lots of chairs are shut down then no matter visibility..all sudden the Summit is open.
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cardog100
5Member
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Posts: 45
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When I originally posted this thread, my intent was to generate some discussion about Crystal's management's decisions and to gauge skier's reactions. I hope someone w/ Boyne Inc. is taking note of the comments, good and bad. To all the TAY members, keep them coming.
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Ritalin Kid
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Posts: 115
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I've skied Crystal since I was three (now 27) and had a Season Pass/Elite Pass the entire time. I've been confused at thier approach to running the place, but since SnowGirl is listening (much appreciated) I will take this opportunity to make some suggestions. But first I must preface this by echoing the comments regarding Crystal's terrain rivaling any North American ski area and I will continue to buy a seasons pass there for the forseable future.
1. Build a terrain park: even for those of you who wouldnt ride it...it keeps groups of likeminded skiiers/riders in a concentrated place. The next generation of riders is not going to Crystal. Snoqualmie and Stevens make going to the mountain fun and affordable to young people and they are going to continue going there with thier families when they get older. Even as a skier I think the snowboard leash requirment has to go.
2. Expand your terrain: as opposed to putting more lifts to the same access. The Northway Chair and the "Tram" dont make much sense to me. I like the idea of the Bullion Basin chair if it actually goes through...I know the struggles of dealing with the forrest service so I assume this will all take a long time. ohhh yeah... pomas and t-bars are awesome
3. Build a bike park: Look at the numbers, more people rode the Whistler Bike park than played the Whistler golf courses. Stevens is going to open thier bike park next summer (I'll be there).
4. Discounted pass price for kids: I mentioned this above. I wouldnt even qualify for it, but as a "marketer" myself I think it would be a good idea for the long term.
5. Spring pass: Every year Crystal closes with great snow and people on this message board post pics of the great turns they scored on lift accessable terrain. I'd pay $200-$300 for a pass if you'd stay open til June. After all the only people who ski in April are pass holders.
thanks for listening
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RichV
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Not Exactly what you want to hear.
New for 2008-2009
It was a much quieter summer than last year but we still managed to stay busy!
During the summer months of 2008, aside from the usual lift, building and trail maintenence, Crystal Mountain completed the following projects:
> Launched a brand new website with interactive maps, exciting videos and new photo galleries.
> Paved both entrances to “B” lot and regraded the surface of the lot.
> A new drain field was installed for the Summit House restaurant and summit restrooms. Some upgrades were also made to the Summit House restrooms.
> Regraded the terrain at the bottom of the Northway Chairlift (which was installed the summer of 2007).
> Filled in the Quicksilver halfpipe and restored the run.
MDP Projects of tap (in no particular order):
> Installation of the Bullion Basin chairlift which would open new intermediate terrain. The lift will start in C-lot.
> Replacing the High Campbell chair with a fixed-grib quad.
> Installing the new waste water treatment facility.
> Trail work off the Forest Queen chairlift – widening and regrading.
> Clearing the 13F trail (lower Spook Hill)
> Base-to-Summit Tram (2-year project)
For detailed information on the Master Development Plan, included maps, visit the USFS website
From http://www.skicrystal.com/Press-Articles/2008-2009/468/New-for-2008-2009
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jakub808
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>Replacing the High Campbell chair with a fixed-grib quad.
hmm.... right now i love you have to trip over people who just stand there at the top considering there is no room with a double. I can't wait till it's a quad! yay!
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oftpiste
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>Replacing the High Campbell chair with a fixed-grib quad.
hmm.... right now i love you have to trip over people who just stand there at the top considering there is no room with a double. I can't wait till it's a quad! yay!
Little doubt the entire offload area would be regraded and reconfigured. Still a bad idea though.
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BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
BRING BACK PNW BRIT!!!!
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Kyle Miller
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Dont forget the top of Rex will be a tower lower once the tram is put in place so no direct access to Snorting elk 
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Ditch the splitboard, bring skis and some guns then we'll invite you!
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Ritalin Kid
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Posts: 115
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Not Exactly what you want to hear.
Not what you want to hear? What do you expect when you dont listen to your customers? Try putting a message board on your website. And if you have a blog, make sure you update it regularly...as in daily.
I am not trying to be a jerk - I really want you to have success, but directionally you guys are going backwards. Do you really think the terrain park is a fad? The amount of effort put into the half-pipe was pathetic.
You need to change the attitude at Crystal...from the patrollers, to the leash police, to the hosts on lucky shot.
Also I know you guys just signed a contract with Warren Miller...FYI no one cares about Warren Miller anymore. Matchstick, Poor Boyz, and Teton Gravity are what people go see. Oh yeah and generally you dont have to pay them to come to your mountain...buying your way into a ski movie lacks authenticity...one of the main reasons why Warren Miller has gone down hill. I am not a snowboarder, but I know you're never in any progressive snowboard movies....why... attitude.
I hope you use this and other forums to shape decisions in the future...I really am curious to understand Crystal's decision making process....
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Boot
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Posts: 286
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Kid,
That is one of the best posts on here, hands down! Very smart comments.
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